Introduction to Electronic Waste
The correct disposal of electronic waste is essential to environmental protection and information security. This article presents a complete list of what can and cannot be disposed of as electronic waste, grounded in current legislation and official sources.
Definition and Importance of Electronic Waste
Electronic waste covers all discarded electrical and electronic equipment, such as computers, mobile phones, televisions and printers, that no longer has any use for the owner.
Law No. 12,305/2010, which establishes the National Solid Waste Policy, sets out guidelines for the proper handling of this waste, emphasising the shared responsibility between generators and recyclers (Law 12,305/2010).
List of Equipment That Can Be Disposed Of as Electronic Waste
- Desktop computers and laptops
- Display monitors
- Mobile phones and smartphones
- Tablets
- Televisions
- Printers and scanners
- Routers and modems
- Audio and video equipment
- Headphones and speakers
- Chargers, USB cables and adapters
Items That Should Not Be Disposed Of as Electronic Waste
- Organic waste
- Clinical (hospital) waste
- Industrial chemical products
- Electronic components containing hazardous materials without the appropriate disposal procedures
It is important to note that improper disposal can contaminate soil and water resources, due to the presence of heavy metals and toxic substances.
Proper Treatment and Destination
According to the National Information System on Solid Waste Management (Sinir), the correct destination of electronic equipment involves selective collection, the recovery of components and recycling (sinir.gov.br).
To make disposal easier, it is advisable to use specialist services for the collection of electronic waste, available through our electronic waste collection service.
Secure Disposal of Storage Devices
Particular attention should be given to storage devices such as hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs, USB sticks and other media, which may contain sensitive information. The physical destruction or secure sanitisation of these devices is essential to protecting data (data destruction).
Applicable Legislation
In addition to Law No. 12,305/2010, Decree No. 10,936/2022 regulates the destination of waste electrical and electronic equipment (Decree 10,936/2022).
These rules reinforce the obligation to ensure proper disposal, selective collection and environmentally sound destination.
Closing Remarks
The correct disposal of electronic waste is a commitment to both the environment and security. Drawing on current regulations and specialist services, it is possible to minimise negative environmental impacts and help protect information.
Informational content. Classifications, obligations, documents and operational conditions should be confirmed according to the material, the location and the applicable legislation.